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plane If you intend on flying to your destination you may be wise to choose a scheduled flight. This not only offers you shorter queues, better flight times, but also there’s less possibility of being delayed. While charter flights are invariably cheaper you are more likely to suffer delays, especially if you travel later in the day as scheduled flights always take precedence over chartered flights. If possible arrive early for check-in and secure good seats. If you’ve booked a cot you’ll get a bulkhead seat. These provide extra space to place your sleeping baby, as well as room for changing. If you’re breastfeeding, try and time feeds to coincide with take-off or landing. It will help relieve the pain associated with ears “popping”. For older children, offer cartons of drinks during take-off and landing, which will provide the same affect. Keep essential items in small bag which can be stored under your seat during the flight. If you are on a long haul flight remember to pack some small toys for your child(ren) to play with. Avoid toys that are are too noisy. CAR If you are planning on driving, make sure you’ve planned your route and written out key instructions before you leave. Try and travel by night or early in the morning so child(ren) may sleep. Use motorways where possible as they’re less likely to induce travel sickness. Also allow for regular breaks at service stations so your child(ren) can run around and go to the loo. Motion sickness can affect children which results from a conflict between the eye and ear: The inner ears detect that the car is moving, but the eyes focused within the car - do not. The brain gets conflicting signals, which causes you to suffer from nausea. To help prevent motion sickness ask your child(ren) to fix on a point in the distance, outside the car. Car seats should be positioned so the child can see outside the car. Discourage reading which can compound queasiness, and ensure plenty of fresh air is circulating within the car and avoid transporting any strong smelling foods. Train If you intend travelling by train then try and reserve seats before you depart. If you inform the train operator that you are travelling with a baby they may offer you a compartment near the buffet, and toilet. The benefit of travelling by train is it can be more relaxing with young children than cars or flying, as you’re not in such a confined space. Boat Travelling by ferry offers space for your child(ren) to wander round and, on some ferries, play areas where they can run around and tire themselves out. Ferries also offer you the chance to sit back and relax for several hours before continuing your journey. |
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